07-22-02 Community & Economic Development

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QLommttfr .deport: ommnntt� alnd Qtonomt iopmnt (tommtttz The July 22, 2002 meeting of the Community and Economic Development Committee was called to order by its Chairperson Council Member Karl King at 4:30 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Aranowski, Varner, King, Coleman, Pfeifer, Kirsits, White, and Kelly; Mayor Stephen Luecke, Jon Hunt, Michael Beitinger, George Adler, Bob Case, Felicia Davis, Pat McMahon, Mr. Benjamin Godwin, Pat Crowley, Mr. Larry Gritton, Terry Bland of the ODUI nb trt tn� and Kathy Cekanski Farrand, Council Attorney. Council Member King called for a presentation on Bill No. 02-56 which would adopt a written fiscal plan and establish a written policy for services for the Mary Beth Wiseman Annexation Area located in Centre Township. Mr. George Adler of the Community and Economic Development Department made the presentation. He noted that this is a companion bill to Bill No. 30-02. It represents a voluntary annexation for.39 acres located on the west side of Main Street, south of Pulling Street. All public improvements are in existence. Following discussion, Council Member Kirsits made a motion, seconded by Council Member Varner that Bill No. 02-56 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. Council Member King then called for presentation on Bill No. 02-57 which is a ten g p (10) year real property tax abatement request for the property located at 7701 Vorden Court for TD 1966 Real Fast Trust. Felicia R. Davis, Economic Development Specialist then reviewed her report dated June 20, 2002 (copy attached). The petitioner, Tech Data, proposes to construct in two (2) phases a 450,000 to 500,000 square foot building on 30.4 acres in the Blackthorn West Business Park. Phase I will have 300,000 of construction for an estimated cost of$12 million. The building will be the home of the midwest logistics center for Tech Data. Eight (8) full-time employees will be added. The report concluded that the petitioner meets § 2-83 of the South Bend uncipal Code addressing "warehouse development city-wide". Mr. Benjamin B. Godwin, Vice-President of Real Estate and Corporate Services made the presentation. He noted that Tech Data is the second largest wholesaler of its kind in the United States. They anticipate breaking ground in August, and hope to move into their new facilities in May 2003. Pat McMahon of Project Future spoke in favor of the proposed tax abatement, noting that the petitioner would be going from a lease arrangement to a property owner relationship. Mayor Luecke spoke in favor of the proposed resolution. Following discussion, Council Member Kirsits made a motion, seconded by Council Member Varner that Bill No. 02-47 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed.